Molecular Genetic Pathology Fellowship

Laura Anne Lee, MD, PhD
Molecular Genetic Pathology Fellowship Program Director

Description

Vanderbilt University School of Medicine offers a 1-year ACGME-accredited fellowship in Molecular Genetic Pathology (MGP) at Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC) that prepares graduates for specialty qualification in Molecular Pathology by the American Board of Pathology. The MGP fellowship program draws upon the strengths of several departments and centers at the medical center, including the Department of Pathology, Microbiology & Immunology, the Department of Pediatrics, and the Vanderbilt Genetics Institute. This comprehensive program provides training in all aspects of molecular genetic pathology, including the molecular profiling of hematologic and solid tumor malignancies, single-gene testing for inherited disorders, exome-based germline NGS testing, pharmacogenetics, cytogenetics (FISH, karyotype, and microarray analysis), and the molecular identification of infectious agents. Rotations in the hereditary cancer and pediatric genetics clinics at VUMC supplement the laboratory-based training that forms the core of this fellowship. The curriculum includes a didactic course in human genetics, an online course in laboratory management, a weekly molecular fellows conference, and interesting case conferences. In addition to developing skills in molecular diagnostics, the fellow will participate in quality improvement projects and new test validation/implementation. Graduating MGP fellows are prepared to pursue careers in a variety of settings, including the directorship of a molecular pathology laboratory in an academic setting, large reference laboratory, or community hospital.